With resolution 58/293 of 10 June 2004, The General Assembly of the United Nations declared 2005 World Year of Physics (WYP), in occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Albert Einstein's publication in 1905 of his research papers on the theory of relativity and so-called light-quanta that revolutionised the 20th Century and had a profound impact of the everyday lives of citizens worldwide. The University of Perugia did not miss out on the opportunity to contribute to the WYP international celebrations, organising an extensive conference series, "Physics in Daily Life", which took place from May 2005 to February 2006. This event was the result of true collaboration, organised principally by the University's Department of Physics, sponsored by the local administrative government and the Perugia Savings Bank, and with the support of The Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences. The conference series was of special significance to the City of Perugia because of its inclusion as part of the celebratory framework of the 700th Anniversary Celebration of the University's founding.

This book, which includes a multimedia DVD, was published following the conference series and contains the collection of the presentations made at the conferences held throughout the span of the year. All of the conference speakers focused on the impact that Physics has had on science and modern development, helping humanity to confront and find solutions for the problems and challenges of today's world. Topics dealt with included the development of new technologies, new medical treatments and new drugs, the problem of energy resources in an increasingly modernised world, the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage as well as astronomy and astrophysics.